Checked prints, a 'romcom' aesthetic and complementary colours are among the hottest design trends for spring 2023.
With a new season upon us, it's the ideal time to show your home some love. While these spring interior design looks offer stylish ways to update your home, each one hinges around personal expression for a style that will have longevity. What's not to like about that?
Keep reading to discover five brilliant interior design looks for spring 2023...
Pairing complementary colours – those that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel – is not just a trend for spring but a cornerstone of interior design. A spring refresh that utilises complementary colours is a timeless way to breathe life into your space, rather than a passing fad.
Etsy's yearly insights report has highlighted two top colours for the year ahead – honeycomb and indigo – based on classic colour pairing principles, in which one colour boosts the vibrance of the other (and vice versa).
'Complementary colours that side by side bring out the other's radiance: Indigo hues invoke a gorgeous night sky and joyful honeycomb lights up a room or outfit just like the stars above us,' describe Etsy.
Classic prints and patterns are always in style, but spring is an especially great time to experiment with the more whimsical ones, such as gingham and checks. There's lots of variation here, from tight grids to fluid lines, meaning you can match your pattern to the feel of your interior.
'Checked patterns are an easy way to add some personality into a room without it feeling too over the top,' says Lucy. 'Whether that be in the bedroom, living room or kitchen, each pattern is extremely versatile and achieves a plethora of different effects.
'In springtime especially, opting for patterns in fun pastels through rugs and cushions is an effortless way to acknowledge the season and inject happiness into a space. For a more mature take, you can opt for more sophisticated colours such as dark navy and deep reds.'
Pillowcases, blankets, and other soft furnishings are quick updates that can be rotated with other options throughout the course of the year, subtly tweaking the look of your space from season to season.
Layering and atmospheric lighting are not limited to the colder months; there's plenty of room to create a nest-like space in spring, too. It's a look that doesn't shy away from texture, pattern or rich colours – the result is snug, inviting and laidback. Picture an abundance of houseplants, handmade cushions, and unique artwork – a house that feels like a home.
Lucy suggests: 'Be inspired by 70s bohemian. Decorating with colours such as orange, brown and green is very nostalgic and helps to create a warm cocooning effect. Steer away from white flatpack furniture, and instead, look out for beautiful brown wood and rattan furniture which you can buy for an affordable price secondhand.'
To tap into the maximalist side, 'don't be afraid to clash patterns as this adds more character and uniqueness to a room,' Lucy continues.
For lighting, prioritise floor and table lamps over the 'big light' to create ambience. And opt for homeware that elicits positive emotions and memories. Avoid an overly curated look here – in fact, perfectly imperfect pieces and a dose of individuality are what will really set your home apart from the rest.
If your life feels like the plot of a romantic comedy, 'romcom-core' could be the interior style for you. Featured in Pinterest's recent 2023 prediction report, the trend is also expected to take over the fashion world this year.
In romcoms, the interior design of the protagonist's home (usually a fabulous apartment they shouldn't be able to afford) is integral to their main character energy – something you can try to emulate in your own home. In short, romanticise your home.
'To get the look yourself this spring, decorate with sorbet shades such as playful pinks and sunshine yellows. Ensuring you have fresh flowers on display or soft floral bedding is key, and don’t shy away from frills and lace as they will only enhance the look,' advises Lucy.
'One way of achieving the romcom aesthetic is through clustering. This method includes putting out your favourite things in the corners of your home, such as vintage trinkets, candles, books and photos. When done correctly, it allows your home to tell a story about your personality.'
Overhaul the look of your bathroom by experimenting creatively with tiles whether on the walls or floor. Long gone are the days of matchy-matchy bathroom suites and bland, purely functional tiles. Instead, tiles are now being used as statement features in their own right, influencing the rest of the bathroom design and decor.
Lucy agrees: 'People are starting to become more adventurous with tiles in their bathrooms, whether that be their shape, colour, or pattern. Fun tiles can add a lot of character to a room and a big trend I expect to see this spring is people matching their towels to their tiles to add even more personality.
'This doesn’t automatically mean matching them by colour, it could mean coordinating with shapes and choosing more abstract patterns. Instead of sticking with plain towels, push the boundaries to be more expressive and creative. Try matching geometric floral patterned towels with retro tiles inspired by the 70s and triangular patterned towels with more sleek and modern tile patterns.'
